Veules Les Roses, 1

We are not yet fully prepared to say Veules Les Roses is the most beautiful village we have seen. The stroll along France's shortest river--well, a creek--that flows directly into the sea, incredible landscaping at every turn, half-timbered and flint-brick construction everywhere, relatively great age and even a little recent history, the beach, the cliffs...we simply can't remember anything better, or even approaching it. And no tour buses. We spent the better part of the day here, including a casual lunch.

What led us to this place was noticing people parking and carrying picnic supplies
to this shaded little picnic area, just off the coastal road; we decided to follow and
see what was down the path

The source of the little Veules river, which flows just 1200m to the sea

For many years, Veules was the watercress capital of the north, the Garden of
Dieppe;  important as the only winter -harvested vegetable

Roses, the most fragrant roses anywhere, were everywhere

The little creek once had 11 mills in operation; this is wheat country up on the plateau

The little river continues, scarcely ever more than a foot deep

Roses everywhere

Typically Norman thatched roofs and half-timbered construction

As well as typically Norman brick and flint

Thus

More of the river, more of the flowers

Another old mill, this one rebuilt after it was destroyed by the Germans in 1940;
they were chasing 3000 British and French soldiers who finally embarked for
England at Veules; in the TI are several repulsive photos of German soldiers
celebrating their victory in Veules

Another little river scene

More roses

Banana Belt of Normandy

More interesting old buildings